Founded in the early years of the Qing Dynasty under the Qianlong Reign (1736—1796), Songhelou has a history of over 260 years as a classic Suzhou restaurant renowned both at home and abroad. It has become a symbol of Jiangnan cooking culture.As a time-honored Chinese catering brand, Songhelou is committed to selecting cooking ingredients in season to provide diners with authentic Suzhou-style cuisines.Defined by fresh ingredients typical of four seasons, ingredient-based culinary skills, careful cooking, exquisite time and heat handling, as well as features of delicacy, sweetness and tastefulness, Songhelou is hailed as one of the four famous restaurants in China as it complements the gentle diet, elegant and humane style of Jiangsu Province.

The name “Songhelou” first appeared on the stone tablet erected in the 22nd year of the Qianlong Reign (1757), during the rebuild of the Suzhou Administrative Office for Noodle Industry. Songhelou started out as a noddle restaurant and was known for its Gusu cold spiced duck. Due to its rigorous selection of ingredients and fine processing, Songhelou gradually evolved into a renowned restaurant in Suzhou.